For Maupassant, existence is what happens to us between two events which we cannot avoid: birth and death. The space between is filled with a compulsory programme of rituals which merely pass the time. But mankind cannot bear too much truth, and we turn mating to Love, dignify war by calling it Patriotism, subscribe to morality, and generally delude ourselves that we are not animals acting upon instinct but rational creatures capable of idealistic beliefs and actions. We survive only on the drug of self-deception. Maupassant, whose disgust with creation was only equalled by his contempt for human hypocrisy, takes a scalpel to our illusions and cuts to the bone. He operates without anaesthetic and his tales are not for the squeamish. He would be unbearable to read if his clinical pessimism were not redeemed by a sense of the absurd and a warmer compassion for 'humanity bleeding'. Unsentimental but always honest, he persuades us that life is an incomprehensible, cosmic farce. This translation of twenty tales shows Maupassant at his bitter, bawdy, chilling best. It features some of his grimmest and most famous stories such as A Vendetta and The Grove of Olives, but it also reflects both his moods and his mastery of the short story. The Little Keg is rich in comic invention, while the disturbing Who Can Tell? draws its power from the strange forces which drove its author into madness.

In 'Mademoiselle Fifi and Other Stories', Guy de Maupassant showcases his mastery of the short story format through a collection of captivating tales that explore themes of human nature, society, and morality. Maupassant's prose is elegant and precise, drawing readers into richly detailed settings and complex character dynamics. The stories in this bilingual edition offer a unique opportunity for English and French readers to appreciate the nuances of Maupassant's language and storytelling techniques. Each story is a gem of literary craftsmanship, revealing Maupassant's keen observation of the world around him and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few pages. This collection stands as a testament to Maupassant's enduring legacy as a master of the short story genre. Guy de Maupassant, a prominent figure in 19th-century French literature, drew inspiration from his own life experiences and observations of French society to create his iconic works. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human psychology, Maupassant crafted stories that continue to resonate with readers today. His exploration of social issues, relationships, and the human condition remains relevant and thought-provoking. Maupassant's skillful storytelling and insightful commentary make 'Mademoiselle Fifi and Other Stories' a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the complexities of human nature. I highly recommend 'Mademoiselle Fifi and Other Stories' to readers who appreciate finely crafted prose, nuanced storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. This bilingual edition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the works of Guy de Maupassant in both English and French, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of his language and the depth of his storytelling.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Sherwood Anderson records his impressions of the American scene.